Darien Civic Engagement Project
Experience Politics
For the upcoming fall 2025 semester, students can register for the 1.5 credit 790:250:Topics in Political Science: Darien Civic Engagement Project taught by faculty and staff of the Eagleton Institute of Politics. Enrolled students will support the implementation of RU Voting, a nonpartisan effort to register, mobilize and engage Rutgers University students to participate in politics and vote in local, state and national elections.
The Darien Class will meet Mondays from 10:20 AM and 11:40 AM at the Eagleton Institute of Politics on Douglass.
In conjunction with their coursework, Darien students will apply their course learning to real world practice by assisting with the implementation of in-person voter registration and voter mobilization events on the Rutgers University–New Brunswick campus.
Students may count TWO 1.5 credit classes toward the elective requirement of the political science major or minor. For the major, 250 and 251, or 250 and 253 (Topics in Political Science) can combine to satisfy one of the requirements in R7. Alternatively they can combine to satisfy one course requirement for the minor.
Special Note: All enrolled students must facilitate at least two in-person voter registration and mobilization events during the semester. All participants must enroll in Special Topics in Political Science 790:250 to participate in the program.
Applications are closed for the fall 2025 Darien Civic Engagement Project. Apply by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00PM for consideration.
Benefits
- Assisting with RU Voting, specifically in facilitating voter registration and voter mobilization drives
- Develop leadership & presentation skills
- Gain research skills on youth voting behavior
- Engage with current Rutgers University students in a meaningful way
- Earn 1.5 credits from successful completion
Qualifications
- Must be a current Rutgers University–New Brunswick undergraduate student
- Must be available to attend in-person events on campus
- Interest in encouraging civic skill building in young people
- Ability to speak to large groups of students
Civil Discourse Expectations
Classes, programs and other events convened by the Eagleton Institute of Politics are premised on the belief that, in order for our democracy to work, we need to be able to talk to each other. Students and other program participants are expected to engage in open and civil discourse, recognizing that meaningful exchange of ideas from different perspectives requires reasoned deliberation based on shared facts and conducted with respect and curiosity, and with affirmation of the humanity of all people irrespective of their historic marginalization, identity or socioeconomic status. In addition, like all Rutgers students, students at Eagleton are expected to comply with the Rutgers University Code of Conduct.
Students exhibiting behavior in class or online that conflicts with the Civil Discourse Expectations of the Eagleton Institute of Politics or with relevant sections of the University Student Code of Conduct may be removed from a class, given a failing grade for the course and/or terminated from the Darien Civic Engagement.
Free Expression at Rutgers University
Rutgers is committed to the freedom of speech. The free expression and discussion of ideas is essential to our university’s core mission and values. We encourage open and civil discussion, debate, and exploration of ideas and viewpoints while we preserve the right of all in our community to learn, teach, and carry out the university’s essential work. Please review the Free Expression at Rutgers website for more information about our community’s policies and standards.
Application Process
Complete the Darien Civic Engagement Project application by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00PM
For more information about the program, please contact Sophia Alexis at Sophia.alexis@eagleton.rutgers.edu.
A special thank you to:
The Darien Fund for the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement and Rutgers Democracy Lab